In Macedonia, the tragic death of 22-year-old Frosina Kulakova has sparked widespread protests as citizens demand justice and accountability. Frosina was struck and killed by a vehicle driven by 20-year-old Vasil Jovanov, who was reportedly under the influence of drugs and driving without a license. The protests aim to raise awareness about traffic safety and the urgent need for stricter enforcement of laws regarding reckless driving.

Key Takeaways

  • Protests were organized in response to the death of Frosina Kulakova, who was hit by a car while crossing the street.
  • The driver, Vasil Jovanov, has a history of traffic offenses and was released from custody after a previous drug possession charge.
  • Citizens are calling for greater accountability from authorities and a reevaluation of traffic laws.

Background of The Incident

Frosina Kulakova was tragically killed while crossing a pedestrian crossing on "Arradhat Partizane" street in Skopje. The driver, Vasil Jovanov, was driving under the influence of narcotics, without a valid driver’s license, and ran a red light. This incident has ignited public outrage, leading to calls for protests to demand justice.

The Protests

Two major protests were held to honor Frosina’s memory and advocate for change. The first protest took place in Kavadarci Square at noon, while the second rally was organized in front of the Universal Hall in Skopje at 5 PM. The initiative "Who is the Other" emphasized that Frosina’s case is not an isolated incident, highlighting a pattern of reckless driving and a lack of accountability in similar cases.

Demands of The Protesters

The protesters have outlined several key issues they wish to address:

  1. Malfunctioning of the System: There is a perceived failure in the system designed to protect children and young people in conflict with the law.
  2. Insufficient Urban Security: Citizens are frustrated with the lack of safety measures in urban areas, which they believe contribute to such tragic incidents.
  3. Glorification of Reckless Behavior: The protesters are calling for an end to the glorification of deviant behavior, which they feel is prevalent in society.
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Community Response

In a peaceful demonstration, hundreds of citizens gathered to light candles and lay flowers in front of Frosina’s photo. They marched to the Skopje Criminal Court, expressing their anger by shouting "Murderers" with their hands painted red, symbolizing the bloodshed caused by reckless driving.

Political Reactions

The two largest political parties in Macedonia, OBRM-PDUKM and SDSM, have voiced their support for the protesters, demanding maximum punishment for the driver responsible for Frosina’s death. They have called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and the judicial decisions that allowed the driver to remain free despite his criminal history.

Conclusion

The protests following Frosina Kulakova’s tragic death reflect a growing frustration among citizens regarding traffic safety and accountability in Macedonia. As the community rallies for justice, the hope is that these demonstrations will lead to meaningful changes in traffic laws and enforcement, ultimately preventing future tragedies.

Sources

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